sparklyheart
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- May 4, 2009
- Messages
- 523
Re: What is the difference b/t an AA and BA degree in nursin
In my experience in the nursing field (8 years), the difference between associate- and bachelor-prepared nurses is the theory and science background. Associate programs are heavy on clinical practice whereas Bachelor programs are heavy on the science and theory behind the clinical practice. The key phrase here in Texas is Bachelor-prepared nurses. Research has shown hospitals with more bachelor-prepared nurses provide better care, hence the push towards these types of nurses. It's sad because 3 years ago, my hospital was paying for employees to go to school for their associates… they finished and now the same hospital will not hire them to work as a nurse.
As far as clinical practice and ability, I have seen excellent care provided by all types of nurses, regardless of their background. I have also seen crappy care provided by all types of nurses! The associate-prepared nurses who have gone back for their bachelor's degree all report that the theory is so enlightening to them because while they had learned the basic concepts through clinical practice, they never knew it had a name or how to put it all together until they were back in school.
DF, since your daughter already has a Bachelor's, as others have said, it would be more beneficial for her to do an accelerated/bridge program to get her bachelor's in nursing. There are certainly jobs out there for associate-prepared nurses but in the long run it will save you and your wife money to have her only go back to school once instead of going back 5 years after she gets a job because they then require a bachelor's degree. However, I know the desire to have a job sometimes beats out the more logical answer.. Continuing to wait for a spot is not easy. It may be easier to wait it out while working as a nurse (and let the hospital foot the tuition bill)! Pay rates here are no different, it's just a matter of job availability.
It always makes me laugh when people say there are so many jobs in healthcare. As you and your daughter have seen, it's not always that easy. My hospital is certainly lacking staff in several areas but with all of the healthcare changes and spending cuts, they are very hesitant to add positions at a time when they are expected to cut millions of dollars in spending every year.
In my experience in the nursing field (8 years), the difference between associate- and bachelor-prepared nurses is the theory and science background. Associate programs are heavy on clinical practice whereas Bachelor programs are heavy on the science and theory behind the clinical practice. The key phrase here in Texas is Bachelor-prepared nurses. Research has shown hospitals with more bachelor-prepared nurses provide better care, hence the push towards these types of nurses. It's sad because 3 years ago, my hospital was paying for employees to go to school for their associates… they finished and now the same hospital will not hire them to work as a nurse.
As far as clinical practice and ability, I have seen excellent care provided by all types of nurses, regardless of their background. I have also seen crappy care provided by all types of nurses! The associate-prepared nurses who have gone back for their bachelor's degree all report that the theory is so enlightening to them because while they had learned the basic concepts through clinical practice, they never knew it had a name or how to put it all together until they were back in school.
DF, since your daughter already has a Bachelor's, as others have said, it would be more beneficial for her to do an accelerated/bridge program to get her bachelor's in nursing. There are certainly jobs out there for associate-prepared nurses but in the long run it will save you and your wife money to have her only go back to school once instead of going back 5 years after she gets a job because they then require a bachelor's degree. However, I know the desire to have a job sometimes beats out the more logical answer.. Continuing to wait for a spot is not easy. It may be easier to wait it out while working as a nurse (and let the hospital foot the tuition bill)! Pay rates here are no different, it's just a matter of job availability.
It always makes me laugh when people say there are so many jobs in healthcare. As you and your daughter have seen, it's not always that easy. My hospital is certainly lacking staff in several areas but with all of the healthcare changes and spending cuts, they are very hesitant to add positions at a time when they are expected to cut millions of dollars in spending every year.